Even the most casual fan of Louisiana high school football is well aware of John Curtis' reputation for running the football.
Legendary head coach J.T. Curtis has used the veer option offense - coupled with a rugged defense - to win over 500 games at the River Ridge school.
A little over a week ago, the Patriots defeated Winnfield in the state championship game and while Curtis did its share of pounding the pigskin, the passing of Abby Touzet kept the opposing defense off-balance and on its heels.
Touzet (6-1, 205) completed 4-of-6 passes for a touchdown, including a perfectly-placed 49-yard strike down the middle of the field to WR Tre Perrier.
The freshman displayed pinpoint accuracy during the playoffs, connecting on all four of his throws in both the quarterfinal win over Kinder and the semifinal grudge match vs. Evangel Christian.
"I think about it every day. Its the greatest feeling," said Touzet of the Patriots' state title. "I worked hard on my passing. It's a great feeling to be a starter at Curtis.
"Before each game I was a little nervous, but after the first play I was fine. I felt like I was in a groove (during the playoffs). I started making throws and building confidence."
Touzet, who has goals of becoming stronger, faster and more accurate prior to the '12 season, praised his stable of running backs: Juniors Sherman Badie and Tevin Horton and sophomores Raekwon James and George Moreira.
"The backs made my job a lot easier and our offensive line did great," he said.
What is Touzet's primary focus this winter and spring?
"The main thing I want to do is get faster," he said.
What's it like to play for the staff at Curtis?
"The coaches had faith in me when nobody else did," said Touzet, who took over the starting job during the regular season when Patrick Morton was lost to injury. "It feels great playing for them. They know what they're doing."
Coach Jeff Curtis, son of J.T., oversees the signal-callers.
"He's a great coach," said Touzet.
The young QB attended the LSU/Western Kentucky game this fall with teammate and Tigers commit Dillon Gordon, a senior tight end.